"You’re the real warriors" - Belal Muhammad sends heartfelt video message to Palestinian children amid Israel-Gaza conflict
Belal Muhammad has put forth a profound message to the children of Palestine. It comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has sparked widespread destruction and suffering across the Gaza strip.
Muhammad faced Leon Edwards in their rematch at UFC 304 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27, 2024. 'Remember the Name' defeated Edwards via unanimous decision to become the new UFC welterweight champion. In doing so, he became the first person of Palestinian and Arab descent to win a UFC title.
Israel and the Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups have been at war since Oct. 2023, marking a major escalation in the historic Israel-Palestine conflict. The hostilities have resulted in thousands of casualties thus far.
Following his victory at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad collaborated with Akhbar Al Aan and sent a video message to the Palestinian children who've been engulfed in the throes of war. He also signed a few items, including a Palestinian flag, which would be sent to the children. Muhammad stated:
"My message to the children of Palestine is keep fighting. You're the real warriors. You're the real champions. When I look at you guys and I see your strength, it just makes me realize how weak I am. You're stronger than me. You're bigger than I am. You guys are giants, and you guys are changing the world, and that's bigger than what I'm doing."
He went on to add:
"So, keep doing it. Keep fighting. And Inshallah, one day you'll be free, and you'll be able to live your dreams and live your life the way that you should be able to. I know that [UFC 304] fight was bigger than just that night. I had to win for my people. I had to win for Palestine. I had to give them that victory."
Moreover, Muhammad asserted that he had to win the title for his fellow Palestinians. Born to Palestinian immigrant parents in America, the Chicago-based fighter noted that watching Palestinians fight for their lives every day with a smile on their faces has given him a great deal of strength.
Check out Muhammad's comments below:
Belal Muhammad received a superstar reception during visit to local Palestinian community before UFC 304
Prior to his title-winning performance at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad visited members of a Palestinian community in the UK. 'Remember the Name' received a grand welcome, met many of his Palestinian fans and even took to the microphone and addressed the crowd.
Watch snippets from the event in Belal Muhammad's Instagram video below:
With regards to Muhammad's professional obligations, his next fight has yet to be announced. Fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman are being viewed as the frontrunners to fight Muhammad for his UFC welterweight championship later this year.